Growing up in New Orleans has opened my eyes to the world of wine, food & culture. My heritage is a combination of French, British & Hungarian. Add eight years of European life coupled with a wife of Italian roots & you will understand my journey into this amazing world.
Philip S. Kampe, #winelover
>>>>>>
Founder of the #winelover community.
Master of Wine student, judge at International wine competitions, wine educator and communicator.
Luiz Alberto, #winelover

If you want to know more about wine...

Thursday, August 18, 2011

GERARD BERTRAND--a HOTEL "Chateau L'Hospitalet" and RESTAURANT in the middle of the VINEYARD by Philip S. Kampe

The World knows GERARD BERTRAND is a man of many muses. He was a WORLD CLASS RUGBY player, a WINEMAKER and now he is restoring CASTLE HOSPITALET and turning it into one of France's PREMIER Hotels and Restaurants.

Located near NARBONNE, with a view of the Mediterranean, CHATEAU L'HOSPITALET is perched within 2500 acres of GERARD BERTRANDS' vineyards.

The view from the Chateau of nature's beauty is breathtaking. Vineyards and pine forests surround you. The elevation makes the Mediterranean look like your neighbor.

Care and respect for nature has landed CHATEAU L'HOSPITALET recognition by receiving the "Natural Carbon Field" award that signifies perfect control of nature. This is a RARE award and one cherished by GERARD BERTRAND.

GERARD BERTRANDS vineyard is a sizeable operation located in LANGUEDOC (southern France). His wines are WORLD CLASS and sold WORLDWIDE. He partners with 40+ growers and over 10 co-ops to source grapes. GERARD BERTRANDS wines vary from affordable to collectable.

In a recent interview I had with Gerard he expressed his wine philosphy: Understand the evolution in consumer behavior toward EXPRESSIVE, WELL-BALANCED and ELEGANT wines at FAIR PRICES and you will SUCCEED.

And GERARD BERTRAND has!

Look for his wines at your local wine shop. I have a few FAVORITES to recommend:

CONTEAUX du LANGUEDOC la Clape L'Hospitalet la RESERVE 2005
Deep cherry in color with aromas of cranberry, cherry and huckleberry, this syrah explodes on your palate with flavors of wild mushroom, cola and dark fruit.
This wine is a real steal and a MUST BUY!

PINOT NOIR RESERVE SPECIALE HELFLASKE 2007
Round, fruity and succulent, this Pinot Noir has a long finish and elegant taste.
This wine would pair perfectly with either veal or chicken and is a special wine at reasonable price.

RESERVE SPECIALE VIOGNIER 2008
Aromas of this VIOGNIER seduce you with hints of apricot nectar, peach pie and figs.
At $16.99 a bottle, this pleasurable wine lights up your palate with hints of cinnamon and cream that take center stage. This serious, full-bodied wine is a sure winner.

Remember GERARD BERTRAND wines the next time you BUY WINE!!
And remember to visit his vineyard and stay at CHATEAU L'HOSPTALET for the ULTIMATE French Wine-Getaway!!

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

http://www.thewinehub.com/One of the pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries...